Archaeologists discover new ancient burial site at Knowth

New archaeological relics from the Neolithic era have surfaced in Knowth, Co Meath.Wikicommons / Guenter Classen

New archaeological relics from the Neolithic era have surfaced in Knowth, Co Meath, reports the Meath Chronicle. The new finds were discovered at an area just southeast of the passage tomb cemetery at Brú na Binne, which has been the focus of Professor George Eogan’s study for the past few decades.

At the site, a “number of previously unknown large-scale monuments” have been discovered. Joe Fenwick, a member of the archaeology department at NUI Galway, conducted a number of “noninvasive, topographical” surveys of the area in conjunction with Professor George Eogan.

With their study, the team has discovered “a complexity of sub-surface wall-footings, earth-filled ditches, and post-pits...This research confirms that the archaeological footprint of Knowth extends over a far greater area than previously thought,” notes The Meath Chronicle.

“A large double-ringed oval measuring 65m across its minor axis and a sub-rectangular ditched enclosure with internal features measuring over 70m in maximum dimension,” are the most apparent images gathered from the tests conducted on the area.

While the meaning or exact date of the new discoveries is not completely known just yet, they do suggest the overlapping of successions of different populations in the area, ranging from the Neolithic period until today.

The archaeologists working at the site noted that, without exact dating, only “tentative interpretations” about the site can be made for now.

Other discoveries made around Knowth include undecorated stones built into satellite tombs, and some structural remains which is speculated to be part of an ancient chapel. Most notably however, is a stone bearing an ancient spiral design from the megalithic tradition.

Originally published in 2011.

New archaeological relics from the Neolithic era have surfaced in Knowth, Co Meath.Wikicommons / Guenter Classen